MOL Bubi users cycled nearly 7 million kilometres last year
TOP 10 busiest public bike stations revealed
Cyclists in Budapest used the MOL Bubi system more than 3.4 million times in 2023, covering nearly 7 million kilometres, according to a summary of last year's results by BKK. The mobility manager's data show that public bike ridership is growing year on year, with tens of thousands of new users joining the system in 2023, who can access the service at an increasing number of stations.
In recent years, the misconception that cycling is only a seasonal mode of transport has been dispelled. Last winter and summer, and even in the last months of the year, MOL Bubi users in Budapest were keen to get on their bikes: last November the average daily number of trips exceeded 7,000, and in December the daily peak was between 5,000 and 6,000 for several days, with more than 2,000 people hopping on the characteristic green bikes even on the coldest days. Last year, the average user rode 8-11 times per month, depending on the month, typically spending 10-15 minutes on the bike, with the average trip length being 2 km, according to BKK data*. The service is used by 80-85% of users on a user pass basis, the rest on a per-minute Pay As You Go basis.
Last year, there were more than 3.4 million MOL Bubi rentals, during which users travelled nearly 7 million kilometres.
BKK is trying to meet the growing demand with as many improvements as possible: last year, the company installed a total of 400 new bikes, handed over 23 MOL Bubi stations, and from March 2024, it will add six more locations to the list of bike pick-up/drop-off points, so that soon bikes will be available at 207 stations.
MOL Bubi bikes used for commuting and going out
According to a previous BKK survey, the majority of people use public bikes to commute to work, while many also use MOL Bubi to run errands and make small shopping trips, but many also use them for leisure and entertainment.
In the spring and summer months, Margaret Island and its surroundings are particularly popular with Bubi users: in 2023, Jászai Mari tér and Margaret Island were the two busiest MOL Bubi stations. There is also clear evidence that high-traffic locations in neighbourhoods with excellent cycling infrastructure are also popular with Bubi riders, such as Kálvin tér at the intersection of the two major cycle lanes, Blaha Lujza tér near the cycle lane running along the Grand Boulevard, Oktogon, Rákóczi tér, as well as Szent Gellért tér and Batthyány tér in Buda.
TOP 10 busiest stations with traffic (pick-up/drop-off) data in 2023:
- Jászai Mari tér – 115 687
- Margitsziget – 108 378
- Corvin sétány – 98 793
- Blaha Lujza tér M – 91 069
- Kálvin tér – 86 232
- Fővám tér – 85 873
- Oktogon – 80 852
- Szent Gellért tér – 76 566
- Batthyány tér – 75 091
- Rákóczi tér – 74 560
Also good for the environment
MOL Bubi users will save more than 90,000 kg of CO2 emissions** every month, and in 2023 they will have saved Budapest from more than 1,000 tonnes of pollutants.
MOL Bubi has had a major impact on people’s attitudes. Every year, more and more people are realising that cycling is not only convenient and economical, but often faster - especially when combined with traditional public transport modes - than driving a car on congested roads. In Budapest, thanks in large part to the indirect impact of the MOL Bubi, a growing number of people are also using their own bicycles.
* Real-time tracking of bikes is not used by the company for privacy reasons
** Source: bringazzamunkaba.huBKK